WITH the transfer window due to close at the start of next month, the next couple of weeks will be crucial as Middlesbrough look to complete their business. How are things shaping up with the transfer clock ticking?


Signed: Liam Roberts, Darragh Lenihan, Ryan Giles, Zack Steffen, Tommy Smith, Marcus Forss, Matthew Hoppe


Chris Wilder could not have been clearer as he spelled out his transfer ambitions on Tuesday night – despite bringing in seven senior players already this summer, the Boro boss wants to make five more additions before the window swings shut.

Wilder wants one a naturally left-footed centre-half to bring some balance to his backline, with Jacob Greaves firmly established as Boro’s number one target. The 21-year-old has turned down the offer of a new deal with Hull and is expected to leave the KCOM Stadium this month.

Despite this week’s capture of Matthew Hoppe from Mallorca, Wilder is also hoping to bring in two more forwards to fill the number nine and ten positions on his squad list.

Groningen have turned down an offer for Jorgen Strand Larsen, and while the Norwegian striker has spelled out his desire for a transfer in the last few days, Boro appear to be cooling their interest and look ready to move on. That could change if Groningen slash their current asking price of €13m, but as things stand, the Boro hierarchy are looking elsewhere.

Discussions have taken place with Fulham over Rodrigo Muniz, but the Brazilian’s future remains dependent on the London club’s own incoming transfer business.

Ideally, Wilder would like to complete Boro’s summer business with the acquisition of two midfielders, one of which will help plug the gap left by Marcus Tavernier’s departure to Bournemouth.

The Northern Echo:

Alex Mowatt is a target, with the 27-year-old having fallen out of favour at West Brom. However, at this stage, it is unclear whether Steve Bruce will sanction Mowatt’s departure.

Will anyone else be leaving Boro? A number of youngsters will leave on loan in the next couple of weeks, but it would be interesting to see what the Teessiders’ response would be if they were to receive a hefty offer for Dael Fry ahead of deadline day given the homegrown defender’s absence from the starting line-up for the opening two league games.